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PubMed1985

Effect of 8-(3-diethylaminopropyl)-6,6-dimethyl-(2-phenyl-1 H-imidazo(4,5 h))isoquinoline-7,9-(6H)-dione dihydrochloride (AR-LH31) on experimental cardiac arrhythmias in dogs.

The effects of intravenously administered 8-(3-diethylaminopropyl)-6,6-dimethyl-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazo (4,5H))-isoquinoline-7,9-(6H)-dione dihydrochloride (AR-LH31) on experimentally induced ventricular tachycardia were studied in dogs. Ventricular tachycardia was produced in 6 anaesthetised dogs by the intravenous injection of ouabain (66.7 +/- 4.9 mg/kg). AR-LH31 administered by increasing bolus injections every 5 min completely suppressed the ventricular tachycardia with a return to sinus rhythm in 1 out of 6 dogs, with a partial return of sinus beats in a second dog. There was no return to sinus rhythm in the 4 remaining dogs after doses ranging from 1.75 to 15.75 mg/kg. Observations were made in 9 conscious dogs 22-24 hours after ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery when a ventricular tachycardia was present. The administration of AR-LH31 by bolus intravenous injection in 4 dogs did not abolish the arrhythmia in any dog but increased the number of sinus beats. In 3 out of 4 dogs after a cumulative dose of 7.75 mg/kg, 60% of ventricular beats were of sinus origin. The effects of larger doses could not be studied be cause of adverse effects. In 5 dogs the administration of AR-LH31 by constant intravenous infusion at 16 mg/kg/h restored sinus rhythm in all dogs after a mean dose of 9.9 +/- 0.9 mg/kg. These studies indicate that AR-LH31 has anti-arrhythmic activity in dogs and highlight the importance of the method of administration in determining the effects of a drug.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Kidney graft survival in transfused and nontransfused sibling beagle dogs.

In 6 pairs of sibling Beagle dogs, 1 kidney was exchanged between pairs, and contralateral nephrectomy was done. Previously, one dog of each pair was given blood transfusions from the donor of its allograft. All dogs were given azathioprine and prednisone postoperatively for immunosuppression. Four of 6 dogs given pretransplantation transfusions were healthy 1 year after surgical manipulation was done, and 2 died for reasons other than graft rejection. Of the 6 dogs that were not given pretransplantation transfusions, 3 were healthy after 1 years, but 2 were euthanatized because of graft rejection, and the last was euthanatized because of both graft rejection and intussusception. Other complications in these dogs were leukopenia (7 dogs), interdigital abscesses (2 dogs), urinary infection (3 dogs), and renal vein thrombosis (1 dog). Considering the lack of alternative methods for effective therapy for chronic renal failure in dogs, results of this study seem encouraging for selective use of renal transplantation, clinically. This study supports previous reports which indicated that pretransplantation transfusion enhanced graft survival in dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Lymphangiographic evaluation of experimentally induced chylothorax after ligation of the cranial vena cava in dogs.

Ligation of the cranial vena cava (CrVC) distal to the entrance of the azygous vein resulted in chylothorax in 7 of 10 dogs. Of the remaining 3 dogs, 1 developed a serosanguineous effusion that did not become chylous, and 2 dogs did not develop pleural effusion. In 2 of the 7 dogs developing chylothorax, the pleural effusion became serosanguineous within 2.5 weeks after CrVC ligation. Mesenteric lymphangiography was performed 2 to 6 weeks after ligation of the CrVC. Lymphangiectasia was seen in 4 dogs with chylothorax, but was not seen in the 3 dogs with serosanguineous effusions or the 2 dogs that did not develop effusions. One dog with chylothorax died prior to repeat lymphangiography. Less dye entered the thoracic duct, and alternate lymphaticovenous communications to the caudal vena cava were evident in the dogs without chylothorax. Ligation of the thoracic duct at the lymphaticovenous junction was performed in 3 dogs. These dogs did not develop pleural effusion. Lymphangiography was performed immediately after ligation and indicated filling of abdominal lymphatics but not of the thoracic duct. Lymphangiographic findings 6 weeks after ligation also indicated filling of intestinal lymphatics. Results of the present study indicated that ligation of the CrVC causes chylothorax, and that thoracic lymphangiectasia is a consistent finding in animals with experimental chylothorax. Obstruction of the thoracic duct did not induce lymphangiectasia or chylothorax. Impedence of thoracic duct flow into the CrVC may be a cause of clinical chylothorax in the dog.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

[Subacute toxicity test of cefoperazone in beagle dogs with the intravenous administration for 3 months (author's transl)].

The subacute toxicity test of cefoperazone (CPZ) in Beagle dogs with the intravenous administration for 35 days has been reported from our laboratory. In the present experiments, the subacute toxicity test of CPZ in Beagle dogs was carried out for longer administration period than before. CPZ was given intravenously to each group (2 or 4 dogs) at dose level of 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day respectively for 3 months. Cefazolin (CEZ) was used intravenously for positive control using 4 dogs at dose level of 200 mg/kg/day and physiological saline was given intravenously to 2 dogs for 3 months. 1) In Beagle dogs received high dose of CPZ, transient vomiting, salivation and diarrhea were observed immediately after the administration. 2) Signs of anemia, such as decrease of erythrocyte and value of hemoglobin and hematocrit, and increase of reticulocytes of the peripheral blood and in fragility of red cell associated with decrease of food intake, were observed in 2 female dogs given CPZ of 400 mg/kg/day. In only one of these dogs, a positive reaction of COOMBS' test was shown. The anemia recognized in these 2 dogs seems to be of hemolytic nature. 3) The weight of thymus was decreased in all of 4 dogs given CPZ at 400 mg/kg/day and in 2 out of 4 dogs given CPZ at 200 mg/kg/day, respectively. 4) Based on the fact that no abnormalities were found in dogs given CPZ at 200 mg/kg/day except a slight decrease of weight of thymus in some of them, the maximum safety dose of CPZ was thought to be 200 mg/kg/day.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Attacks by packs of dogs involving predation on human beings.

Dog bites are a medical problem for millions of people, children being the most common victims. Human deaths attributable to dog bite injury (not rabies) are relatively infrequent. There have been some epidemiologic reviews, but this study is the first attempt to arrive at an understanding of bites involving predation on human beings by conducting behavioral examinations under controlled conditions of the dogs involved, and by interviewing victims, witnesses, and people familiar with the animals.The three cases studied involved two fatalities and an attack that was nearly fatal. The victims were 11, 14, and 81. In each case, owned pet dogs consumed some human tissue. The severity of the victims' injuries was not the consequence of a single dog bite, but the result of repeated attacks by dogs behaving as a social group. Factors that might contribute to a dog's regarding human beings as potential prey were examined, including hunger, prior predation, group behaviors, defense of territory, previous interactions with people, the presence of estrous female dogs, and environmental stimuli. In two of the cases, it was possible, by using similar stimuli, to duplicate the circumstances at the time of the attack.The results of the observations showed the value of behavioral analysis and simulations methods in evaluating possible factors in dog attacks.Among the many factors probably involved in severe dog attacks are the size, number, and nutritional status of the dogs; the dogs' previous aggressive contacts with people; the victim's age, size, health, and behavior; and the absence of other human beings in the vicinity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1983

Cross-reactivity of cat and dog allergen extracts. RAST inhibition studies with special reference to the allergenic activity in saliva and urine.

The commercial cat and dog allergen extracts are traditionally prepared from pelt, fur or dander. However, there is increased evidence of the allergenicity of saliva and urine of the animals. We have investigated 25 asthmatic children with a positive cat and/or dog RAST result. All 20 subjects with a positive cat RAST gave a positive skin prick test result to cat saliva, cat urine and cat hair. Analogously, all 20 subjects with a positive dog RAST had a positive skin reaction to dog saliva, urine and dander. In RAST inhibition experiments with dog and cat allergen discs, dog saliva appeared to be at least as potent as a commercial dog dander and hair extract, while cat saliva was less potent than the respective commercial extract. Both dog and cat salivas were clearly more potent than the respective urine. Significant cross-reactivity was observed between cat hair and dog dander in the RAST inhibition, whereas saliva and urine were shown to be more species-specific. An experimental dog dander preparation had about the same specificity as, and even higher allergenic activity than, that of dog saliva or urine. Our results suggest that saliva actually may be the best source of cat and dog allergen preparations. The importance of urine warrants further investigation.

Allergens↗

PubMed1980

Coagulation abnormalities in dogs with neoplastic disease.

Conventional laboratory methods were used to screen untreated tumor-bearing dogs for hemostatic abnormalities. Excluded from study were dogs with clinical evidence of bleeding. The primary site for neoplastic disease in 100 dogs studied included hemolymphatic system, skin, bone, thyroid gland, oropharynx, mammary gland, and nasal cavity. Eighty-three percent of the dogs had one or more abnormal coagulation tests. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 36 dogs and 3 had thrombocytosis. Twenty-five dogs had hypofibrinogenemia, and 25 had hyperfibrinogenemia. There were 32 dogs with prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time, 10 dogs with shortened prothrombin time, and 6 dogs with prolongation of the thrombin time. Sixteen dogs had positive protamine sulfate (paracoagulation) reaction, and 8% had increased plasma fibrin degradation products. The euglobulin lysis time was accelerated in 24% of the dogs, and 15% had schistocytes on blood film. These data indicate that the majority of dogs with advanced neoplasms are likely to have abnormal coagulation tests.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Urinary bladder tumors in dogs from 4,4'-methylene-bis (2-chloroaniline) (MOCA).

Six female beagle dogs were given a daily dose of 100 mg MOCA, by capsule, 3 days per week for the first 6 weeks and then 5 days per week continuously for periods up to 9.0 years. The dose varied from 8 to 15 mg/kg body weight/day among the dogs. Six female beagle dogs were kept as untreated controls. The test was terminated after 9.0 years of treatment. The average plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity of the dogs fed MOCA was higher than that of the controls during the first and last two years on test. During the eighth and ninth years the urine sediment from MOCA dogs contained excessive numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and epithelial cells. Some epithelial cells contained abnormalities that suggested neoplasia in the genitourinary tract. One MOCA dog, sacrificed after 8.3 years on test was found to have a papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Of four MOCA dogs sacrificed after 9.0 years on test, three were found to have papillary transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder and one had a combined transitional cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the urethra. The urethral tumor had metastasized to the liver, but the papillary transitional cell carcinomas found in the other four dogs did not invade the muscle layers of the bladder wall and did not metastasize. Since no urinary bladder tumors were found in the six control dogs, MOCA was considered to be carcinogenic for the urinary bladder of dogs under the conditions employed (p less than 0.025, Fisher's Exact Test, one tail). Three of five MOCA dogs contained hyperplastic nodules in the liver with no such nodules in six control dogs (p greater than 0.05, Fisher's Exact Test, one tail). This was considered to be suggestive of an effect of MOCA treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Age-related changes in skin color and histologic features of hairless descendants of Mexican hairless dogs.

Age-related changes in skin color and histologic features of hairless descendants of Mexican Hairless dogs were investigated and compared with those of haired descendants of Mexican Hairless dogs and Beagles. According to age, dogs studied were allotted to 4 groups: 0 to 2 weeks, 4 to 5 months, 1 to 1.5 years, and 3 to 4 years old. Skin color, histologic features, and numbers of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-positive melanocytes were examined. The luminance values measured, using a spectrophotometer, decreased with advancing age up to 1.5 years, but they increased again at 3 to 4 years in hairless dogs. The number of DOPA-positive melanocytes in hairless dogs decreased with advancing age, whereas there were no DOPA-positive melanocytes in haired dogs and Beagles. Histologically, the epidermis of newborn hairless pups was thick. The border between the epidermis and dermis was wavy, and epidermal ingrowths were found projecting into the dermis. As hairless dogs grew older, the epidermis became thinner and flatter. Although numbers of hair follicles and sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands were apparently fewer in hairless dogs than in haired dogs and Beagles, these structures were detected at least up to 4 years of age. On the other hand, haired dogs and Beagles had a thin epidermis at birth and aging had little effect on their epidermal structures. The dermis of hairless dogs contained fewer mast cells than did that of haired dogs and Beagles.

Aging↗

PubMed1994

Which dogs bite? A case-control study of risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Dog bites cause an estimated 585,000 injuries resulting in the need for medical attention yearly and children are the most frequent victims. This study sought to determine dog-specific factors independently associated with a dog biting a nonhousehold member. METHODS: A matched case-control design comprising 178 pairs of dogs was used. Cases were selected from dogs reported to Denver Animal Control in 1991 for a first-bite episode of a nonhousehold member in which the victim received medical treatment. Controls were neighborhood-matched dogs with no history of biting a nonhousehold member, selected by modified random-digit dialing based on the first five digits of the case dog owner's phone number. Case and control dog owners were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: Children aged 12 years and younger were the victims in 51% of cases. Compared with controls, biting dogs were more likely to be German Shepherd (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 16.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.8 to 71.4) or Chow Chow (ORa = 4.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 13.7) predominant breeds, male (ORa = 6.2, 95% CI 2.5 to 15.1), unneutered (ORa = 2.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.3), residing in a house with > or = 1 children (ORa = 3.5, 95% CI 1.6 to 7.5), and chained while in the yard (ORa = 2.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 8.1). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians should advise parents that failure to neuter a dog and selection of male dogs and certain breeds such as German Shepherd and Chow Chow may increase the risk of their dog biting a nonhousehold member, who often may be a child. The potential preventability of this frequent public health problem deserves further attention.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[A study of sensitization and symptoms in adult asthmatics who keep cat and dog].

We studied hypersensitivity to cats and dogs in three hundred adult asthmatics who kept them. Some findings were noted as follows. 1) The mean duration for which cats were kept was 6.2 +/- 10.1 (1 S.D.) years and that for dogs was 4.2 +/- 9.6 (1 S.D.) years. 2) The positive rate in intradermal tests to dog dander was 7% and to cat hair-epithelium 32%. The positive RAST (score > or = 2) rate to cat epithelium was 36.1%, to dog dander 31.6% and to dog epithelium 7.3% respectively. 3) Eleven to 18% of the dog keepers and 23 to 36% of the cat keepers whose RAST score were positive were aware of the relationship between pets and asthma, specifically concerning eye and nose symptoms. 4) Thirty percent of the cat and dog keepers had become sensitized to them after keeping them for under one year. The positive RAST rate was unchanged in those who kept Japanese native dogs but increased in those who kept foreign breeds after 3 to 6 years. The rate of sensitization rate to cats tended to increase along with the period for which they were kept. 5) Dog dander RAST scores among the foreign breed keepers were significantly higher than those among the native dog keepers. If the dog breed was the same, the RAST score was not higher if the dog was kept indoors than if it was kept outdoors. We concluded that a possible reason why the RAST scores were higher among those who kept foreign breeds was that foreign breeds have stronger allergenicity.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Toxicity of inhaled plutonium dioxide in beagle dogs.

This study was conducted to determine the biological effects of inhaled 238PuO2 over the life spans of 144 beagle dogs. The dogs inhaled one of two sizes of monodisperse aerosols of 238PuO2 to achieve graded levels of initial lung burden (ILB). The aerosols also contained 169Yb to provide a gamma-ray-emitting label for the 238Pu inhaled by each dog. Excreta were collected periodically over each dog's life span to estimate plutonium excretion; at death, the tissues were analyzed radiochemically for plutonium activity. The tissue content and the amount of plutonium excreted were used to estimate the ILB. These data for each dog were used in a dosimetry model to estimate tissue doses. The lung, skeleton and liver received the highest alpha-particle doses, ranging from 0.16-68 Gy for the lung, 0.08-8.7 Gy for the skeleton and 0.18-19 for the liver. At death all dogs were necropsied, and all organs and lesions were sampled and examined by histopathology. Findings of non-neoplastic changes included neutropenia and lymphopenia that developed in a dose-related fashion soon after inhalation exposure. These effects persisted for up to 5 years in some animals, but no other health effects could be related to the blood changes observed. Radiation pneumonitis was observed among the dogs with the highest ILBs. Deaths from radiation pneumonitis occurred from 1.5 to 5.4 years after exposure. Tumors of the lung, skeleton and liver occurred beginning at about 3 years after exposure. Bone tumors found in 93 dogs were the most common cause of death. Lung tumors found in 46 dogs were the second most common cause of death. Liver tumors, which were found in 20 dogs but were the cause of death in only two dogs, occurred later than the tumors in bone and lung. Tumors in these three organs often occurred in the same animal and were competing causes of death. These findings in dogs suggest that similar dose-related biological effects could be expected in humans accidentally exposed to 238PuO2.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1997

Effect of postexercise carbohydrate supplementation on muscle glycogen repletion in trained sled dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of immediate postexercise carbohydrate supplementation on muscle glycogen (MG) repletion during the first 4 hours of recovery in sled dogs. ANIMALS: 24 Alaskan Huskies. PROCEDURE: Dogs were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups, and a muscle biopsy specimen was obtained 1 hour before and immediately (group A) or 4 hours (groups B and C) after a 30-km run. Immediately after exercise, dogs in group A and group C were given water; dogs in group B were given a glucose polymer solution (1.5 g/kg of body weight) in water. RESULTS: At 4 hours after exercise, MG concentration was significantly greater in group-B than in group-C dogs; the value in group-C dogs was not different from the value in group-A dogs immediately after exercise. Assuming similar rates of glycogen depletion between treatment groups, during the first 4 hours of recovery, group-B dogs replaced 49% of the glycogen used during exercise. Plasma glucose concentration was significantly greater in group-B than in group-A and group-C dogs at 100 minutes after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate postexercise carbohydrate supplementation in sled dogs leads to increased glucose concentration, which in turn promotes more rapid rate of MG repletion in the first 4 hours of recovery than is observed in dogs not given supplements. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For dogs running in multiple heats on a single day or over several consecutive days, immediate postexercise carbohydrate supplementation may promote more rapid and complete recovery between bouts of exercise.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Retrospective cohort study of changes in hip joint phenotype of dogs in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there had been a significant improvement in hip joint phenotype of dogs in the United States by comparing results of evaluations done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals of dogs born between 1972 and 1980 with those of dogs born between 1989 and 1992 and determining whether there had been an increase in the percentage of dogs classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 270,978 evaluations. PROCEDURE: Numbers and percentages of dogs classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype during each period and change between periods in percentages of dogs classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype were calculated. RESULTS: Percentage of dogs born between 1989 and 1992 that were classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype (15,289/143,668; 10.64%) was significantly higher than percentage of dogs born between 1972 and 1980 that were classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype (9,960/127,310; 7.82%). The increase in percentage of dogs classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype was significantly higher for male (51%) than for female (27%) dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that there has been an improvement in the hip joint phenotype of dogs in the United States between the 1970s and early 1990s and that the improvement has been greater among male than among female dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Mechanoenergetic effect of pimobendan in failing dog hearts.

The effect of cardiotonic drugs with a calcium-sensitizing effect (Ca2+ sensitizers) on cardiac mechanoenergetics in the failing heart is not fully understood. Accordingly, we measured left ventricular (LV) contractility (Emax) and the relation between myocardial oxygen consumption (VO2) and pressure-volume area (PVA; a measure of LV total mechanical energy) before and during enhancement of contractility by infusion of dobutamine (DOB) or pimobendan (PIMO) in six cross-circulated hearts isolated from pacing-induced heart failure (FL) dogs, and compared the results with those reported in normal hearts (NL, n = 12). Although the baseline Emax was much lower in FL dogs than in NL dogs (P < 0.01), DOB and PIMO comparably enhanced Emax in the FL dogs. The O2 cost of contractility, defined as the increase in unloaded VO2 at zero PVA divided by the increase in Emax, obtained during an enhancement of contractility with DOB, was significantly higher in FL dogs than in NL dogs, suggesting that a larger amount of O2 is consumed during Ca2+ cycling with DOB in FL dogs. In contrast, the O2 cost of contractility with PIMO was similar between FL and NL dogs. Furthermore, the VO2 per minute was significantly higher with DOB (P < 0.05) than with PIMO partly because of an excessive positive chronotropic effect of DOB. We concluded that (1) PIMO exerts a positive inotropic effect comparable to that of DOB in both NL and FL dogs; (2) the O2 cost of contractility with DOB is higher in FL dogs than in NL dogs; and (3) PIMO has a relative O2-saving effect compared with DOB in FL dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Technique of, and complications attributable to, repeated hyperosmotic blood-brain barrier disruption in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To design a repeatable technique for reversible, hyperosmotic blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) in dogs and evaluate clinical effects of multiple BBBD. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Using fluoroscopic guidance, an arterial catheter was directed into the internal carotid artery via the femoral artery of 10 dogs. Blood-brain barrier disruption was achieved in 5 dogs, using intracarotid infusion of mannitol. Five control dogs received only saline solution. After recovery, dogs were monitored for clinical signs of disease before a second, nonsurvival procedure was performed 2 to 3 weeks later. BBBD was estimated, using computed tomographic (CT) densitometry values, as well as Evan's blue dye staining on necropsy specimens. RESULTS: Seven dogs completed the entire study. Two treatment dogs were lost after the first infusion because of deteriorating neurologic function attributed to CNS edema and increased intracranial pressure. One control dog was lost because of vessel wall damage during catheterization. The remaining dogs had only transient neurologic, ocular, and vasculature injuries. Successful BBBD was documented in all treated dogs by use of CT and Evan's blue dye evaluation. CONCLUSION: Repeated catheterization of the internal carotid artery and disruption of the blood- brain barrier is possible in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Refinement of this technique would be useful not only for improved delivery of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with brain tumors, but also would allow further investigation of new treatments involving genetically engineered retroviruses and monoclonal antibodies.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Phenotypic feminization in a genetic male dog caused by nonfunctional androgen receptors.

A dog raised as a female pup did not have utero-ovarian structures when ovariohysterectomy was attempted at 6 mo of age. Three months later, the dog exhibited male-like behavior, and 2 symmetrical testicular-shaped structures arose bilateral to the vulva. Intersex cases such as this one may involve chromosomal abnormalities, defects in testicular secretions or androgen insensitivity in tissues of the sex accessories. Serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were measured in the intersex and in intact normal male (control; n=7) dogs. In addition, 5alpha-reductase enzyme activity was determined in the gonadal tissue of the intersex dog and control dogs. Androgen receptors were studied in cultured fibroblasts from the genital skin of the intersex and control dogs. The cytogenetic studies identified the animal's karyotype to be 78 XY. All complete cells from the gonadal tissue showed an XY sex chromosome complement. Serum testosterone concentrations before and after challenge with hCG were not different between the intersex and control dogs (6.2 vs 5.72 +/- 1.8 ng/ml and 9.5 vs 8.69 +/- 2.39 ng/ml before and after hCG challenge, respectively). Similarly serum dihydrotestosterone concentrations were not different between the intersex and control dogs before and after challenge with hCG (158 vs 162 +/- 1.4 pg/ml and 270 vs 278.71 +/- 45.98 pg/ml before and after hCG challenge, respectively). The 5alpha-reductase enzyme activity of the gonads was not different between the intersex and control dogs (105 pmol/h/mg protein vs 110 +/- 2.4 pmol/h/mg protein). The Bmax values of binding in the control dogs fibroblast strains were 25 +/- 3.5 fmol/mg protein. However, specific binding of dihydrotestosterone was virtually undetectable in the fibroblasts cultured from the intersex dog. These results exclude chromosomal abnormalities and deficient secretion of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone as causative factors. Because fibroblasts cultured from genital skin lacked any ability to specifically bind dihydrotestosterone, it is suggested that nonfunctional androgen receptors in some tissues of the sex accessories contributed to the feminine phenotype of this particular dog.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Prevalence of behaviour problems reported by owners of dogs purchased from an animal rescue shelter.

This study examined the prevalence of behaviour problems exhibited by dogs within 4 weeks of acquisition from a rescue shelter in Northern Ireland. One thousand five hundred and forty-seven people who had purchased a dog from a rescue shelter in Northern Ireland were sent a postal questionnaire designed to collect information on the behaviours exhibited by their dog within the first month of acquisition. Five hundred and fifty-six people responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 37%. The majority of respondents (68.3%) reported that their dog exhibited a behaviour problem, the most common being fearfulness. Most of those respondents (89.7%) who returned their dog to the shelter did so because the animal exhibited behaviour that they considered undesirable. Male dogs showed more unacceptable behaviours than females, specifically inter-male aggression, sexual problems and straying tendencies. More stray dogs displayed undesirable behaviour than unwanteds, specifically straying tendencies. Puppies were less likely to exhibit unacceptable behaviours than juveniles or adults, particularly fearfulness, sexual problems and straying tendencies. More juvenile dogs showed excessive activity and excessive barking than puppies or adults. More adult dogs displayed aggression towards other dogs than juveniles or puppies. Findings indicate that dogs purchased from rescue shelters do exhibit behaviour problems that may lead to their return. The number of dogs admitted or returned to rescue shelters with behaviour problems may be reduced by raising public awareness regarding the value of behaviour therapy and introducing behaviour therapy schemes to rescue shelters.

Journal Article↗